In the New York Times, reporter Tom Zeller Jr. spotlights the growing controversy re: the possibility that ConocoPhillips and other oil companies will transport ha-huge loads of oil refinery equipment over rural Highway 12. Zeller's feature story includes this paragraph: "But to Mr. Laughy’s dismay, international oil companies see this meandering, backcountry route as a road to riches. They are angling to use U.S. 12 to ship gargantuan loads of equipment from Vancouver, Wash., to Montana and the tar sands of Alberta in Canada. The companies say the route would save time and money and provide a vital economic boost to Montana and Idaho. The problem, said Mr. Laughy, is that the proposed loads are so large — and would travel so slowly — that they would literally block the highway as they rolled through." More here.

• New Perce Tribe: We weren't consulted/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise
• ISP escorts for Exxon Mobile mega-loads were OK'd in 2009/Betsy Russell, EOB

Question: Do you think Gov. Butch Otter and other Idaho officials will back off on this proposal? Or will they try to push it through despite considerable opposition?